Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 3: ICSE Class 9 English Language/Grammar (Total English) workbook solved which comprises Time and Tense – II, Subject Matter and Its Organisation, Personal Letters, Practice Paper – 3. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
Tenses and Their Uses
Assignment 1
Change the Verb in the brackets either to the Present Simple or the Present Continuous Tense:
1. He ______ (read) a newspaper when I ______ (see) him.
Answer: was reading, saw
Explanation: This sentence describes two things that happened in the past. One action was long and ongoing, and the other action was short and interrupted the first one. Imagine the man was sitting and reading for a while; this is the long action, so we say he “was reading”. Then, you quickly saw him. This is the short action that happened in the middle of his reading, so we use the simple past, “saw”.
2. When he first ______ (meet) her, she ______ (work) as a typist.
Answer: met, was working
Explanation: “When he first met her” describes a single moment in the past. We use the simple past, “met,” for this. At that specific time in her life, she had a job as a typist. This was her ongoing situation or a longer activity, so we use the past continuous, “was working”. It tells us what she was doing around the time he met her.
3. While he ______ (dig) in the garden, he ______ (find) an old coin.
Answer: was digging, found
Explanation: The word “while” tells us that an action was happening for some time. Digging in a garden is a long activity, so we say he “was digging”. During this long activity, something sudden happened: he found a coin. Finding the coin was a quick, single event, so we use the simple past, “found”.
4. She ______ (live) with her parents when the war ______ (break) out.
Answer: was living, broke
Explanation: Her living with her parents was the situation or background story over a period of time. For this long background situation, we use the past continuous, “was living”. The war starting was a specific event that happened during that time. For this single, completed event, we use the simple past, “broke”.
5. My sister ______ (cook) the meal for our guests all afternoon.
Answer: was cooking
Explanation: The phrase “all afternoon” tells us that the action of cooking continued for a long period of time in the past. When we want to emphasize that an activity was continuous over a period of time, we use the past continuous tense. So, the answer is “was cooking”.
6. What ______ (do) you do yesterday in the morning? I ______ (play) table tennis.
Answer: did, played
Explanation: The first sentence is a question about a completed action in the past (“yesterday in the morning”). To ask a question in the simple past, we use the word “did”. The answer is a simple statement about a finished activity in the past, so we use the simple past tense, “played”.
7. The night watchman ______ (sleep) when I ______ (pass) by your house.
Answer: was sleeping, passed
Explanation: This is another example of a short action interrupting a longer one. The night watchman’s sleeping was the long action that was in progress, so we use the past continuous, “was sleeping”. Your action of walking past the house was a short, quick event that happened during his sleep, so we use the simple past, “passed”.
8. While I ______ (learn) French, I often ______ (make) tense errors.
Answer: was learning, made
Explanation: The first part, “While I was learning French,” sets up a long background period in the past. During this time, a repeated or habitual action occurred (“I often made…”). According to the rules, repeated actions in the past use the simple past tense. So, the background is “was learning,” and the repeated action is “made”.
9. The teacher ______ (come) into the library to see what we ______ (do).
Answer: came, were doing
Explanation: The teacher’s arrival was a single, completed action, so we use the simple past, “came”. He came in to see the activity that was already in progress. The students’ activity was ongoing when the teacher arrived, so we use the past continuous, “were doing”.
10. I ______ (spend) a lot of money on books yesterday.
Answer: spentExplanation: This sentence talks about a finished action (“spend money”) that happened at a definite time in the past (“yesterday”). For actions that are completed at a specific past time, we use the simple past tense. The past tense of “spend” is “spent”.
Assignment 2
1. He ……………….. (forget) my name, so I reminded him.
Answer: had forgotten
Explanation: Imagine two things happened in the past. First, he forgot your name. Second, you reminded him. We use the Past Perfect tense (“had forgotten”) for the action that happened first, because the forgetting happened before the reminding.
2. After he ……………….. (finish) his studies he ……………….. (live) in England for two years.
Answer: had finished, lived
Explanation: The word “After” tells us that one thing happened before the other. First, he finished his studies. Second, he lived in England. For the action that happened first, we use the Past Perfect tense (“had finished”). For the action that happened second, we use the Simple Past tense (“lived”).
3. The artist ……………….. (finish) the painting at exactly three o’clock.
Answer: finished
Explanation: This sentence talks about one single action that was completed at a specific time in the past (“at exactly three o’clock”). When we talk about a finished action at a definite past time, we use the Simple Past tense (“finished”).
4. The fire already ……………….. (destroy) much of the building when the firemen ……………….. (arrive).
Answer: had already destroyed, arrived
Explanation: Two things happened in the past: the fire destroyed the building, and the firemen arrived. The word “already” tells us that the fire’s destruction happened before the firemen got there. We use the Past Perfect tense (“had already destroyed”) for the earlier action and the Simple Past tense (“arrived”) for the later action.
5. She ……………….. (study) French for two years when she ……………….. (go) to Paris.
Answer: had been studying, went
Explanation: This sentence talks about an action (studying French) that was happening for a long time (“for two years”) before another action happened (she went to Paris). To show an action was in progress for a while before something else happened in the past, we use the Past Perfect Continuous tense (“had been studying”). The second, shorter action uses the Simple Past tense (“went”).
6. He ……………….. (take) two degrees when he ……………….. (be) in England.
Answer: took, was
Explanation: This sentence describes two things that happened during the same period in the past. The action of “taking two degrees” happened during the time “he was in England”. Since both actions happened in the same past timeframe, we use the Simple Past tense for both (“took” and “was”).
7. The shop ……………….. (sell) all the bread by the time I ……………….. (get) there.
Answer: had sold, got
Explanation: The phrase “by the time” tells us that one action was completely finished before the other one started. First, the shop sold all the bread. Second, you got there. We use the Past Perfect tense (“had sold”) for the action that was completed first. We use the Simple Past tense (“got”) for the action that happened later.
8. She ……………….. (qualify) as a nurse and then ……………….. (get) married.
Answer: qualified, got
Explanation: This sentence describes a sequence of two finished actions in the past. First, she qualified. Then, she got married. When we list past events in the order they happened, we can simply use the Simple Past tense for both (“qualified”, “got”).
9. I ……………….. (wear) that jacket for a year when somebody ……………….. (steal) it.
Answer: had been wearing, stole
Explanation: This is like a story. An action was happening for a long time (wearing the jacket for a year) and then it was interrupted by another action (somebody stole it). We use the Past Perfect Continuous tense (“had been wearing”) to show the long, continuous action that was happening first. The interrupting action uses the Simple Past tense (“stole”).
10. She ……………….. (cook) the meal for over an hour when we ……………….. (arrive) at the house.
Answer: had been cooking, arrived
Explanation: This sentence shows that one action (cooking) was in progress for a period of time (“for over an hour”) leading up to another past event (we arrived). To emphasize the duration of the first action, we use the Past Perfect Continuous tense (“had been cooking”). The second action that happened at a specific moment is in the Simple Past tense (“arrived”).
Assignment 3
1. I …………….. (read) a book tonight.
Answer: am going to read
Explanation: Think of “going to” as having a plan in your head. When you say “I am going to read a book tonight,” it means you have already decided to do it. It’s your personal plan for the evening. We use “am going to” with “I” when we talk about our plans.
2. The sun …………….. (rise) at half past five tomorrow morning.
Answer: will rise
Explanation: The sun rising is something that happens every single day, like it’s on a schedule. It’s a sure thing. When we talk about something that will definitely happen because it’s a fact or on a fixed schedule, we use “will”. So, “The sun will rise” means it’s a certain event for tomorrow morning.
3. It is very cloudy and I am sure it …………….. (rain).
Answer: is going to rain
Explanation: Imagine you look outside and see big, dark, puffy clouds. Because you can see those clouds, you can make a very good guess about what will happen next. It’s probably going to rain. When we make a prediction about the future based on something we can see or know right now, we use “is going to”. The clouds are your clue!
4. I …………….. (stay) in the town for a month.
Answer: am going to stay
Explanation: This is like making a plan for a long visit. You have decided that for one whole month, you will live in the town. When you have a firm plan or intention like this, you say “I am going to stay”. It tells everyone about your decision for the future.
5. The President …………….. (give) a speech tonight.
Answer: is going to give
Explanation: The President’s speech is on the official schedule for tonight. It has been planned and arranged. When something is planned to happen, we use “is going to”. It’s like the event is already written in a diary or on a calendar.
6. The train …………….. (arrive) in fifteen minutes.
Answer: will arrive
Explanation: Trains, buses, and planes follow a timetable. We know when they are supposed to arrive or leave. When we talk about things that happen on a fixed schedule like this, we often use “will”. It means the train is expected to be here at that specific time according to its schedule.
7. Tomorrow …………….. (be) the last day of the month.
Answer: will be
Explanation: Tomorrow being the last day of the month is a simple fact that you can see on any calendar. You can’t change it. For future things that are certain facts, we use “will be”.
8. The gardener …………….. (water) the lawn if we tell him.
Answer: will water
Explanation: This is like a cause-and-effect situation. If we do one thing (tell the gardener), then something else will happen (he will water the lawn). When we talk about a future action that depends on another action happening first (the “if” part), we use “will” in the main part of the sentence.
9. He …………….. (clean) his room this evening.
Answer: is going to clean
Explanation: This means he has a plan for the evening. His plan is to make his room tidy. When we talk about someone’s intention or a decision they have already made about the future, we say they “are going to” do it.
10. She …………….. (give) you change if you ask her.
Answer: will give
Explanation: This is another “if… then…” situation, just like with the gardener. If you do something (ask her), then she will do something in return (give you change). We use “will” to talk about the future result of your action.
Assignment 4
1. They ………… (drink) coffee when I arrived.
Answer: were drinking
Explanation: Imagine you walk into a room and see your friends with coffee cups. Your action of arriving happened in a moment, but their action of drinking was already going on. We use “were drinking” (Past Continuous tense) to show an action that was in progress when another, shorter action happened.
2. When you arrive, you ………… (travel) for two days.
Answer: will have been travelling
Explanation: Think about a very long trip. If you start travelling on Monday and someone is waiting for you to arrive on Wednesday, they can say, “When you get here, you will have been travelling for two days.” This tense (Future Perfect Continuous) is used to talk about how long an action will have continued up to a specific point in the future.
3. After I ………… (wash) the car, I put it in the garage.
Answer: had washed
Explanation: This sentence talks about two things you did in the past. First, you washed the car. Second, you put it in the garage. To show that washing the car happened before putting it in the garage, we use “had washed” (Past Perfect tense). The word “had” helps us put events in the correct order.
4. She often ………… (play) tennis.
Answer: plays
Explanation: The word “often” tells us this is a habit or something that happens regularly. For present habits, we use the Simple Present tense. Since we are talking about “She” (one person), we add an “s” to the verb, making it “plays”. It’s like saying, “The sun rises every day.”
5. While he ………… (read) the milk boiled over.
Answer: was reading
Explanation: Picture this: a boy is busy reading a book (a long action). Suddenly, the milk on the stove boils and spills over (a short action). The action that was going on for a while is described using the Past Continuous tense, so we say he “was reading“.
6. He ………… (work) in Kolkata for three years now.
Answer: has been working
Explanation: This is for an action that started in the past and is still happening right now. He started working in Kolkata three years ago, and he is still there today. To connect the past to the present like this, we use the Present Perfect Continuous tense: “has been working“.
7. Ravi thinks he ………… (lose) his watch on the road.
Answer: lost
Explanation: Ravi is thinking now (present), but the action of losing his watch already happened in the past. It’s a completed event. For finished past actions, we use the Simple Past tense, which is “lost”.
8. You ………… (stay) here until you apologise.
Answer: will stay
Explanation: This is like a command or a rule for the future. Imagine a parent telling a child what is going to happen next. They are making a firm statement about the future. We use “will stay” (Simple Future tense) to show this kind of determination or instruction.
9. I ………… (see) them on the platform before they left.
Answer: had seen
Explanation: Here, two things happened in the past at the train station. First, you saw your friends. Second, they left. To make it very clear that seeing them happened before they left, you use the Past Perfect tense: “I had seen them.” It helps to show the timeline of events.
10. Next year we ………… (go) to Paris.
Answer: will go / shall go
Explanation: The words “next year” tell us this is a plan for the future. To talk about future plans, we use the Simple Future tense. So, you can say, “We will go” or “We shall go to Paris.”
11. When the war ………… (break) out Mr Bhatnagar ………… (work) as a teacher for twenty years.
Answer: broke, had been working
Explanation: This sentence tells a story with two parts. A big event happened: the war “broke” out (Simple Past). But before that, for a very long time (twenty years), Mr. Bhatnagar was doing his job. To show an action that was happening for a long period before another past event, we use the Past Perfect Continuous tense: “had been working“.
12. My brother recently ………… (enter) the university.
Answer: has recently entered
Explanation: The word “recently” means something happened not long ago and it’s still fresh news. When we talk about a recent past event that has a connection to the present, we use the Present Perfect tense. So, we say he “has recently entered“.
13. Since 1900, science ………… (progress) rapidly.
Answer: has progressed
Explanation: This describes something that started a long time ago (in 1900) and has continued all the way up to today. Science didn’t stop progressing; it’s an ongoing development. For actions that started in the past and continue to the present, we use the Present Perfect tense: “has progressed“.
14. His opinion ………… (not matter).
Answer: does not matter
Explanation: This is a statement of fact or a general truth. It’s not about a specific time, but how things are in general. For such facts, we use the Simple Present tense. Because “opinion” is a single thing, we say it “does not matter“.
15. Although the event happened thirty years ago, he still ………… (recall) it clearly.
Answer: still recalls
Explanation: The event was in the distant past (“thirty years ago”). However, the action of remembering (“recall”) is happening in the present. The word “still” emphasizes this. Because “he” is a single person, we add an “s” to the verb, making it “recalls“.
Subject Matter and Its Organisation
Assignment
Collect your ideas and write out a well thought-out plan for a composition entitled: Stubble burning – Degradation of the Environment; based on the picture given below.
Title:
Stubble Burning – Degradation of the Environment
Sight
- A farmer standing in the field with a tool, wearing a scarf over his face.
- Flames spreading quickly through the dry stubble.
- Thick black smoke rising into the sky, covering the horizon.
- Dry cut stalks of crops turning black in the fire.
- Trees in the distance blurred by smoke.
- Electric poles faintly visible in the smoky background.
Hearing
- Crackling of the fire as it spreads through the stubble.
- Hissing sound when flames meet damp patches.
- Farmers shouting instructions or warnings.
- Coughing and heavy breathing due to smoke.
Smell
- Pungent and choking smell of burning straw.
- Smoky air filled with dust and ash.
Touch
- Heat waves rising from the flames.
- Irritation in eyes and throat.
- Skin roughened by ash and dust in the air.
Taste
- Bitter and unpleasant taste in mouth from inhaling smoke.
- Contaminated food and water due to falling ash.
Effects on the Environment
- Loss of soil fertility as nutrients are destroyed.
- Increase in air pollution, harming humans and animals.
- Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide adding to global warming.
- Damage to nearby crops and natural vegetation.
- Death of insects, small animals, and microorganisms in the soil.
Social and Health Impact
- Respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and eye irritation.
- Children and elderly suffering the most.
- Increased accidents on roads due to reduced visibility.
- Hospitals filled with patients affected by smoke.
Possible Solutions
- Government schemes to provide farmers alternatives like bio-decomposers.
- Use of stubble for biofuel, fodder, or compost.
- Awareness campaigns to educate farmers.
- Strict laws against stubble burning and incentives for eco-friendly methods.
Personal Letters
Assignment
1. Write a letter to your friend in a boarding school describing how you celebrated Children’s Day in your school.
Answer:
105, Pocket F
Alaknanda
New Delhi – 110019
15th November, 2023
Dear Rohan,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you today to share how we celebrated Children’s Day at our school yesterday. It was one of the most memorable days we have had this year, and I wished you were here to enjoy it with us.
The day started with a special morning assembly where our teachers, instead of us, performed on stage. Our strict mathematics teacher sang a beautiful song, and the history teacher recited a funny poem. The highlight was a hilarious skit put on by the science department. It was so strange and wonderful to see our teachers in such a different way. We couldn’t stop laughing.
After the assembly, all classes were cancelled. The school had organised a fete with various food stalls and game booths. There were games like ring toss, balloon shooting, and a treasure hunt. I won a small prize in the ring toss! The best part was that we didn’t have to wear our uniforms and could enjoy the day freely with our friends.
I missed you a lot, especially during the cricket match between students and teachers. I hope you had a good celebration at your school too. Do write back and tell me all about it.
Yours affectionately,
Rahul
2. Write a letter to your father, telling him why you wish to accompany a friend to the countryside during your summer vacation, and asking him for his permission to do so.
Answer:
105, Pocket F
Alaknanda
New Delhi – 110019
10th May, 2024
My dear Dad,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to you with a special request regarding the upcoming summer vacation. My close friend, Sameer, has invited me to spend a week with his family at his ancestral village in Himachal Pradesh.
As you know, my final exams will be over next week, and I feel a short trip would be a wonderful way to relax and refresh my mind. Sameer’s grandparents live in the village, and he has told me so much about the beautiful countryside there, with its green fields and clean air. I have always been curious about village life, and this would be a great opportunity for me to experience it firsthand.
I believe spending time in a peaceful and natural environment will be very good for me. Sameer’s parents will be travelling with us, and they have assured me that they will take full care of me. I promise to be very responsible, listen to them, and not cause any trouble.
I would be very grateful if you would grant me permission to go. I am very excited about this trip and hope for your approval.
Your loving son,
Amit
Practice Paper-3
(Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.)
Write a composition (300-350 words) on any one ofthe following:
Question 1
(i) Write a short story in which a dog, a baby and a clown play important roles.
Answer: The Forgotten Laughter
Boffo the clown was not feeling very funny. His red nose felt heavy, and his painted smile felt like a lie. The circus had moved on, but Boffo had stayed behind, his heart aching for the cheers of the crowd. His only companion was Scamp, a scruffy terrier with mismatched ears and a loyal heart. One afternoon, while Boffo sat on a park bench, lost in his gloomy thoughts, Scamp suddenly started barking and tugging at his trousers.
Annoyed, Boffo shooed him away, but Scamp was persistent. He ran towards a thick bush, barked again, and then disappeared into the leaves. Boffo sighed and followed, his large clown shoes making squishing sounds on the grass. Behind the bush, he found Scamp licking the face of a tiny baby, who was wrapped in a soft pink blanket. The baby wasn’t crying; instead, she was giggling at Scamp’s ticklish tongue.
There was no one else around. Boffo’s heart pounded. He looked at the baby’s innocent, happy face and then at Scamp, who wagged his tail proudly. Forgetting his own sadness, Boffo’s clown instincts took over. He made a funny face, wiggling his ears. The baby let out a loud, joyous laugh. He pulled a colourful handkerchief from his pocket and made it disappear, then reappear from behind the baby’s ear. The baby clapped her tiny hands, her eyes sparkling with delight.
For the next hour, Boffo performed his best tricks for his audience of one. Scamp circled them happily, barking his approval. The sound of the baby’s laughter was better than any applause Boffo had ever received. Soon, a frantic young woman came running, calling a name. She was the baby’s mother, who had briefly dozed off on another bench. Seeing her child safe and happy with a clown and a dog, she burst into tears of relief and gratitude. As she took her baby, Boffo realised something. He didn’t need a big tent or a huge crowd to be a clown. All he needed was to bring a little laughter where it was needed most. With Scamp by his side, Boffo walked away, his own smile finally feeling real.
(ii) We are totally dependent on our phones to navigate our journeys. Sometimes phones do not work and one ends up getting lost. Narrate an incident when you got lost. State what you did to come out of that situation.
Answer: Lost in the Hills
I had always prided myself on being tech-savvy. My phone was my map, my guide, and my connection to the world. So, when my friends and I planned a trek in the hills near Mussoorie, I confidently declared myself the navigator. “My phone has the best GPS,” I had boasted. The day started perfectly. The trail was beautiful, and my phone’s map guided us flawlessly.
The trouble began in the afternoon. We were deep in the woods when my phone, which I had forgotten to charge the previous night, suddenly died. The screen went black, and with it, our only sense of direction vanished. Panic set in. The trail had forked a while back, and we had no idea which path we had taken. Every tree looked the same, and the sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky. My friends looked at me, their faces a mixture of fear and disappointment. I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. My over-reliance on technology had put us all in a difficult situation.
After a few minutes of useless bickering, I knew I had to do something. I remembered my grandfather teaching me how to find direction using the sun. It was afternoon, so I knew the sun was in the west. We needed to go east to get back to the main road. With a newfound sense of purpose, I led the group in what I hoped was the right direction. We walked for what felt like hours, our spirits sinking with every step.
Just as we were about to give up hope, we heard the faint sound of a temple bell. We followed the sound and stumbled upon a small, hidden temple. The priest, a kind old man with a long white beard, gave us water and listened to our story with a gentle smile. He pointed us towards a narrow, hidden path. “This will lead you straight to the road,” he said. Following his directions, we reached the road in twenty minutes. The incident taught me a valuable lesson. While technology is a great tool, it is no substitute for basic survival skills and the simple kindness of strangers.
(iii) There should be an unemployment allowance for the qualified but unemployed. Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer: A Safety Net for the Skilled
In a world where education is increasingly seen as the key to a better future, it is a sad irony that many qualified individuals find themselves without a job. The idea of providing an unemployment allowance for the skilled but jobless is, in my opinion, a necessary and compassionate step for any progressive society. I am strongly in favour of this proposal.
An unemployment allowance is not a handout; it is a safety net. It provides a basic level of financial security that allows individuals to survive while they search for a job that matches their qualifications. Without this support, many are forced to take up low-paying, unskilled jobs out of desperation, which is a waste of their education and talent. This allowance gives them the breathing room to find meaningful employment where they can contribute their skills to the fullest, which benefits not only them but the entire economy.
Furthermore, such a system can act as an economic stabiliser. When people have some money to spend, even a small amount, they continue to participate in the economy by buying essential goods and services. This keeps money circulating and can help prevent a deeper economic downturn during times of high unemployment. It is an investment in human capital. By supporting our qualified youth during their time of need, we are ensuring that their skills do not erode and that they remain motivated and ready to join the workforce.
Of course, such a programme must be well-designed to prevent misuse. It could be linked to mandatory skill development programs or require proof of active job searching. However, the fear of misuse should not stop us from implementing a policy that upholds the dignity of our educated citizens and builds a more resilient and humane society. Providing an unemployment allowance is a recognition that a person’s worth is not defined by their employment status, and it is a promise that society will not abandon them when they are most vulnerable.
(iv) Describe how you accomplished a difficult task which required lot of hardwork, determination and confidence.
Answer: The Stage of Fear
The most difficult task I ever accomplished was delivering a speech in front of the entire school. The mere thought of standing on a stage before hundreds of faces used to send a shiver down my spine. I was a shy student, content to remain in the background. But when my English teacher announced an inter-house debate competition, she nominated me to represent my house. I was terrified. The topic was complex, and the thought of speaking in public was my biggest nightmare.
My first reaction was to refuse, but my teacher saw something in me that I didn’t. She told me she had confidence in my abilities. Her words sparked a tiny flame of determination within me. I decided to face my fear. The next two weeks were a test of my hard work and resolve. I spent hours in the library, researching the topic until I knew it inside and out. I wrote and rewrote my speech countless times, making sure every argument was strong and clear.
The hardest part was practising. I started by speaking in front of a mirror, my voice trembling and my hands sweating. Gradually, I moved on to practising in front of my family, and then a small group of friends. They gave me valuable feedback and, more importantly, their support boosted my confidence. There were moments when I was filled with self-doubt and wanted to quit, but the thought of letting my teacher and my house down kept me going.
On the day of the competition, my heart was pounding as I walked onto the stage. My palms were sweaty, and my legs felt like jelly. But as I looked at the audience, I saw my teacher smiling at me. I took a deep breath and began to speak. The words, which I had practised so many times, flowed out of me. As I spoke, my fear began to fade, replaced by a surge of confidence. I made my points with conviction, and when I finished, the hall erupted in applause. We didn’t win the first prize, but for me, the victory was personal. I had faced my greatest fear and conquered it. That day, I learned that with hard work and determination, no task is too difficult to accomplish.
(v) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.
Answer: Rohan’s Promise
Rohan was a small boy who lived in a village that was slowly losing its green soul. The trees that once stood tall and proud were being cut down, one by one, to make way for new buildings. The river where he used to play was becoming dirty, and the birdsong was growing fainter each day. His grandfather would often tell him stories of how the village used to be a lush paradise, and a deep sadness would fill Rohan’s heart.
One day, his grandfather fell very ill. The doctor said the polluted air was making his breathing problems worse. That evening, as Rohan sat by his grandfather’s bedside, he made a silent promise. He decided he would bring the green back to his village. The next morning, he took his small savings and went to the nursery in the nearby town. He bought a small mango sapling.
The picture captures the moment Rohan began to fulfil his promise. He chose a barren spot of land behind his house. With great care, he dug a small hole in the hard, dry earth. He gently placed the sapling in the soil, its tender green leaves looking fragile in the harsh sunlight. As he crouched down, packing the earth around its delicate roots, he felt a sense of purpose he had never felt before. He wasn’t just planting a tree; he was planting a seed of hope.
He watered it every day, protecting it from stray animals with a small fence made of twigs. His friends laughed at him, but Rohan didn’t care. Soon, seeing his dedication, a few of his friends joined him. They started a small club, pooling their pocket money to buy more saplings. They planted them along the riverbank and on the empty grounds near the school. The village elders, inspired by the children’s efforts, also came forward to help. Slowly but surely, Rohan’s single act of love began to transform the village. The little boy in the picture, with his simple red shirt and determined eyes, was not just a child planting a tree. He was a young hero, showing everyone that even the smallest hands can make a world of difference.
Question 2
(i) A book had been added to the reference list of your curriculum. There is only one copy in your library. Write a letter to the library incharge of your school library requesting him/her to make arrangements for multiple copies of the book in the library.
Answer:
The Principal,
Modern Public School,
New Delhi – 110024.
15th July, 2024
Subject: Request for multiple copies of a reference book
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of importance for all students of Class IX. A new book, ‘A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Physics’ by Dr. R. Verma, has recently been added to the reference list for our science curriculum.
This book is extremely helpful and contains detailed explanations that are very useful for our studies. However, there is currently only one copy of this book available in the school library. As you can imagine, with the entire class needing to refer to it, it is very difficult for students to get access to the book when they need it. This is causing a lot of inconvenience and affecting our ability to prepare for our examinations properly.
Therefore, on behalf of the students of Class IX, I kindly request you to procure multiple copies of this book for the library. Having more copies available would greatly benefit all of us and help us in our academic pursuits.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours obediently,
Anjali Sharma
Class IX-B
(ii) You have borrowed a laptop from a friend, but while in your care it has slowed down. Write a letter to your friend apologising for the same and explaining to him/her the possible cause of the slow down and how you intend to rectify it.
Answer:
15, Park Street
Kolkata – 700016
20th March, 2024
Dear Arjun,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing this letter to apologise sincerely for the trouble with your laptop. I know how much you trust me, and I feel terrible that it has slowed down significantly while it was with me.
I have been thinking about what could have caused the problem. For my school project, I had to download some large video editing software. I suspect that this heavy software might be using up a lot of the laptop’s resources, causing it to run slowly. It is also possible that I might have accidentally downloaded a virus along with some files, although I was very careful. Whatever the reason, I take full responsibility for it.
Please don’t worry. I have already booked an appointment with a professional technician for tomorrow morning. I will have them diagnose the issue properly and get it fixed completely. I will also bear all the costs for the repair. I promise to return your laptop to you in its original, perfect condition.
I am extremely sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you.
Your friend,
Vikram
Question 3
(i) Your school is organising a photography competition, in which participants will have to submit photographs of plants, animals and/or birds native to your city. Write a notice informing the students about the competition. The photographs submitted by the contestants would be put up in an exhibition at the arts museum of your city. The winners will be selected at the exhibition.
Answer:
(ii) Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school informing him/her of the competition being held in your school and requesting him/her to send photographs by the students of his/her school to participate in the competition.
Answer:
To: principal.dpsrkpuram@email.com
From: principal.greenwooddelhi@email.com
Subject: Invitation to Participate in Inter-School Photography Competition
Dear Principal,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to inform you that our school, Greenwood Public School, is hosting an Inter-School Photography Competition with the theme “Our City’s Flora and Fauna”. The objective of this competition is to encourage students to appreciate the natural beauty and biodiversity of our city.
We believe that this event would be a wonderful platform for students to showcase their creativity and photographic skills. The submitted photographs will be featured in a public exhibition at the National Arts Museum on 20th August, 2024, where the winners will also be announced.
We would be delighted if the students of your esteemed institution would participate in this competition. The last date for submission is 10th August, 2024.
We look forward to receiving entries from your school and fostering a healthy spirit of competition and collaboration between our students.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Sunita Mehra
Principal
Greenwood Public School, Delhi
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
A man of middle age, called Meeks, came to New York to find his sister, Mary Snyder, a widow, aged fifty-two, who had been living for a year in a tenement house in a crowded neighbourhood. Meeks could not find her there, as she had moved away a month ago. No one could tell him her new address.
Someone advised Meeks to consult Shamrock Jolnes, a famous private detective, who demanded fabulous fees, but performed miracles in the way of solving mysteries. After waiting for two hours, Meeks was shown into Shamrock’s presence. Meeks set forth his errand. “My fee, if successful, will be $500,” said Shamrock. Meeks agreed to pay the price.
Shamrock and his client went to the tenement house and into the room where Mary Snyder had lived. It had been occupied by no tenant since her disappearance. Shamrock searched the entire room for a clue. At the end of half an hour, Shamrock collected a few seemingly unintelligible articles – a piece of crumpled paper, a piece torn off a theatre programme, and the end of a small torn card on which was the word “Left” and the characters “C 12.”
Shamrock exclaimed, with animation: “Come, Meeks, the problem is solved. I can take you directly to the house where your sister is living.” Meeks felt joy and wonder in equal proportions.
“How did you manage it?” he asked.
Shamrock said: “On the torn piece of card was the word ‘Left,’ the letter ‘C,’ and the number ’12.’ I know that No. 12 Avenue C is a first-class boarding house, but it is far beyond your sister’s means. From the piece of paper crumpled into an odd shape, it can be suggested that she wrapped an expensive ring that she might have found while working in the theatre. She later sold the ring and used the money to find a better place to live.”
Together they went to No. 12 Avenue C. On enquiry, they were told that no Mrs. Snyder was known there, and that not within six months had a new occupant come to the house.
“I think you would do well to consult Juggins,” said Shamrock. “Juggins is the leader of a new modern school of detectives. His methods are different from ours.” Both of them went to Juggins’ office.
Juggins listened to Meeks and ascertained that Mary Snyder, fifty-two years of age, with a large mole on the side of her nose was a very poor widow, making a scanty living by scrubbing, and with a very homely face and figure. “In fifteen minutes,” he said, “I will return, bringing you her present address.” Shamrock turned pale, but forced a smile.
Within the specified time Juggins returned and announced “Mary Snyder would be found at No. 162 Chilton street. She is living in the back hall bedroom, five flights up. Go and verify my statement.” Meeks hurried away and returned with a beaming face indicating that he has found his sister.
After Meeks departed, Shamrock asked Juggins: “If it would not be asking too much, if you would favour me so far—would you object to—”
“Certainly not,” said Juggins. “I will tell you how I did it. You remember the description of Mrs. Snyder? Did you ever know a woman like that who was not paying weekly instalments on an enlarged crayon portrait of herself? The biggest factory making those portraits in the country is just around the corner. I went there and got her address off the books. That is all.”
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
1. fabulous (line 6)
(a) beautiful
(b) exorbitant
(c) good
(d) fictitious
Answer: (b) exorbitant
2. errand (line 8)
(a) task
(b) correction
(c) team
(d) routine
Answer: (a) task
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word ‘gloomy’?
(a) fabulous
(b) wrapped
(c) beaming
(d) departed
Answer: (c) beaming
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) Why did Meeks go to New York? Was he able to find what he was looking for? Why?
Answer: Meeks went to New York to find his sister, Mary Snyder. Yes, he was able to find her because the detective Juggins correctly identified her new address based on a clever deduction about her likely habits.
(b) How did Shamrock conclude that Mary Snyder was living at No. 12 Avenue C?
Answer: Shamrock found a torn card with “Left”, “C”, and “12” on it, which he interpreted as No. 12 Avenue C. He reasoned that Mary must have sold an expensive ring she found at the theatre to afford a better place to live like a first-class boarding house.
(c) Why did Shamrock advise Meeks to consult Juggins?
Answer: Shamrock advised Meeks to consult Juggins because his own deduction about Mary Snyder’s whereabouts was incorrect and his methods had failed. He acknowledged that Juggins’ methods were different and might be successful.
(d) What information did Meeks give Juggins about Mary Snyder?
Answer: Meeks told Juggins that his sister, Mary Snyder, was a fifty-two-year-old poor widow with a large mole on her nose. He added that she had a homely face and figure and made a scanty living by scrubbing.
(e) Where did Juggins tell Meeks that his sister was living? Was he correct?
Answer: Juggins told Meeks that his sister was living at No. 162 Chilton Street, in the back hall bedroom, five flights up. Yes, he was correct, as Meeks returned with a beaming face, indicating he had found his sister.
(iv) Describe how Juggins found Mary Snyder’s address. Answer in not more than fifty words.
Answer: Juggins deduced that a woman of Mrs. Snyder’s description would likely be paying in instalments for an enlarged crayon portrait of herself. He went to the largest local portrait factory, checked their records for a woman matching the description, and found her new address in their books.
Question 5
(i) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
Example: (0) gives
The Mehrgarh archaeological site at Balochistan ….0…. (give) the first evidence of agriculture in the Indian subcontinent. Here wheat, cotton and barley seeds ….1…. (find) and were dated ….2…. (use) carbon ….3…. (date) to 8000-6000 BC approximately i.e., the Neolithic age. Wild rice dated to 7000 BC ….4…. (find) in the Koldihwa and Mahagara ….5…. (archaeology) sites in the Belan river valley of Prayagraj. The rice from these sites is the ….6…. (early) example of oryza sativa, the first ….7…. (domestic) rice variety. Rice is an essential cereal crop that ….8…. (provide) food and livelihood to millions of people.
Answer:
- were found
- using
- dating
- was found
- archaeological
- earliest
- domesticated
- provides
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) Courage will carry a person __________ many hardships.
Answer: through
Explanation: The word “through” means from the beginning to the end of a difficult situation. Courage helps someone get through hardships.
(b) I refrained __________ giving my opinion.
Answer: from
Explanation: The verb “refrained” is always followed by the preposition “from.” It means to stop yourself from doing something.
(c) I called __________ my grandfather last week.
Answer: on
Explanation: The phrasal verb “called on” means to pay a short visit to someone.
(d) Kindly desist __________ causing damage to my car.
Answer: from
Explanation: The verb “desist” is followed by the preposition “from.” It means to stop doing something.
(e) The pond abounds __________ fish.
Answer: with
Explanation: The verb “abounds” is followed by “with” or “in” and means to exist in large numbers. “Abounds with fish” means the pond has a lot of fish.
(f) He will make __________ all his property to his wife.
Answer: over
Explanation: The phrasal verb “make over” means to legally give something to someone.
(g) Ajay bore __________ the first prize in the competition.
Answer: away
Explanation: The phrasal verb “bore away” means to win or carry away a prize.
(h) The miser will not part __________ his money.
Answer: with
Explanation: The phrasal verb “part with” means to give something to someone else, especially when you do not want to.
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. The boy is still very weak. He must not play football yet.
(a) The boy is not strong still to play football.
(b) The boy who is not strong enough to play football.
(c) The boy is still not strong enough to play football.
(d) The boy is not strong enough still to play football.
Answer: (c) The boy is still not strong enough to play football.
2. He worked hard. He wanted to get a scholarship.
(a) He worked hard for getting to scholarship.
(b) He worked hard to get a scholarship.
(c) He worked hard since he got a scholarship.
(d) He worked hard for getting a scholarship.
Answer: (b) He worked hard to get a scholarship.
3. The boy is the sports secretary. He was here a little while ago.
(a) The boy is a sports secretary was here a little while ago.
(b) The boy was here is a sports secretary a little while ago.
(c) The sports secretary who is a boy was here a little while ago.
(d) The boy, who was here a little while ago, is the sports secretary.
Answer: (d) The boy, who was here a little while ago, is the sports secretary.
4. It was a steep hill. We had great difficulty in climbing.
(a) We had great difficulty in climbing the steep hill.
(b) We had great difficulty in climbing up to the steep hill.
(c) We had been in great difficulty when climbing the steep hill.
(d) It was great difficulty in climbing the steep hill.
Answer: (a) We had great difficulty in climbing the steep hill.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. We must emulate his behaviour. (Begin with: His behaviour …)
(a) His behaviour must be emulated by us.
(b) His behaviour must has to be emulated to by us.
(c) His behaviour must be emulated too by us.
(d) His behaviour must have to be emulated by us.
Answer: (a) His behaviour must be emulated by us.
2. She ate her lunch and then went to the library. (Begin with: Having…)
(a) Having eaten her lunch, she went to the library.
(b) Having to eat, she goes to the library.
(c) Having eat her lunch, she went to the library,
(d) Having to eat her lunch, she has gone to the library.
Answer: (a) Having eaten her lunch, she went to the library.
3. Run fast, else you will miss the bus. (Begin with: If …)
(a) If you run fast, you may miss the bus.
(b) If you do not run fast, you will not miss the bus.
(c) If you do not run fast, you will miss the bus.
(d) If you run slow, you will catch the bus.
Answer: (c) If you do not run fast, you will miss the bus.
4. “You had better see the doctor, Judy,” Mark said. (Begin with: Mark suggested…)
(a) Mark suggested to Judy that she must see the doctor.
(b) Mark suggested Judy to see the doctor must.
(c) Mark suggested to Judy that she should see the doctor.
(d) Mark suggested to Judy that she has to be seen by a doctor.
Answer: (c) Mark suggested to Judy that she should see the doctor.
5. Has Tina written to you? (Use: heard)
(a) Has you heard from Tina?
(b) Did you heard from Tina?
(c) Did you have heard from Tina?
(d) Have you heard from Tina?
Answer: (d) Have you heard from Tina?
6. They have never seen so many guests at home before. (Begin with: This is …)
(a) This is the first time they have to see so many guests at home.
(b) This is the first time they have not seen so many guests at home.
(c) This is the first time they have seen so many guests at home.
(d) This is the first time they had seen so many guests at home.
Answer: (c) This is the first time they have seen so many guests at home.
7. Mohan completed the project last night. (Rewrite with a question tag)
(a) Mohan did not complete the project last night, didn’t he?
(b) Mohan completed the project last night, didn’t he?
(c) Mohan complete the project last night, did he?
(d) Mohan has completed the project last night won’t he?
Answer: (b) Mohan completed the project last night, didn’t he?
8. Dhanvi saw her mother and hid herself behind the curtain. (Begin with: Seeing…)
(a) Seeing her mother, Dhanvi hid herself behind the curtain.
(b) Seeing her mother, Dhanvi hide herself behind the curtain.
(c) Seeing her mother, Dhanvi hides herself behind the curtain.
(d) Seeing her mother, Dhanvi had hidden herself behind the curtain.
Answer: (a) Seeing her mother, Dhanvi hid herself behind the curtain.
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